RE: nickel barrels...
i know the winchester barrel is stainless. You really cant judge a company due to the person working there not knowing what you are asking about. If the company does not give them that kind of info, theres noway for them to know. They are there to help you out with info they do know about. As for that spanish made shot you took, CVA/BPI is one of the best to deal with. Never had problems from them. Ooops! I forgot, i've never had to send my rifle in for repairs or trigger work. Although they did offer me free replacement sights when i emailed them about a cheaper plastic set. Nice of them but they wernt setup for my eyes and so i bought the $20 replacements from a local store. Cheap, plastic, but they grow bright and big! Love them sights now.